Match story
- FC Rostov fired more attempts (18 vs 13 shots).
- FC Rostov was more accurate in front of goal (39% on target vs 31%).
- FC Krasnodar held more of the ball (58% possession).
FC Rostov and FC Krasnodar drew 0-0 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 7 stage in the 2017 season. Mikhail Vilkov, Russia officiated the match. The full-time result capped a FC Rostov vs FC Krasnodar meeting in Premier League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for FC Rostov and FC Krasnodar. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueRecorded meetings: 2 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
FC Rostov and FC Krasnodar drew 0-0 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 7 stage in the 2017 season. Mikhail Vilkov, Russia officiated the match. The full-time result capped a FC Rostov vs FC Krasnodar meeting in Premier League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for FC Rostov and FC Krasnodar. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueRecorded meetings: 2 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Though whispers of the Portuguese talisman's departure have echoed across Europe for weeks, a new revelation threatens to send shockwaves through the squad, promising profound consequences for the American star. A sudden and unexpected twist in Rafael Leao’s destiny has plunged both him and Christian Pulisic into the heart of Milan’s most captivating summer saga. Though whispers of the Portuguese talisman’s departure have echoed across Europe for weeks, a new revelation threatens to send shockwaves through the squad, promising profound consequences for the American star. For much of the transfer window, Leao appeared destined to leave Milan as interest arrived from Turkiye, while Premier League clubs were also mentioned as possible destinations. At the same time, Pulisic has remained a key figure in the club’s plans under new head coach Ruben Amorim, making the latest developments even more intriguing. Galatasaray has recently intensified its efforts to sign Rafael Leao, opening negotiations with the Italian side and submitting an official bid for the Portugal international. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the Turkish champion offered around $40 million for a permanent transfer, but the proposal was immediately rejected because Milan continues to value the winger at between $58 million and $69 million. Thus, Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia and MilanNews respond that Milan has no intention of accepting a discounted fee and will only consider a permanent transfer if their valuation is met. The club also rejected previous ideas involving loan deals, making it clear they are only interested in a full sale. Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on Despite the failed opening offer, Galatasaray is said to be preparing an improved proposal that could approach $46 million, although that still falls short of the Rossoneri’s asking price. Turkish media also claim Leao has shown interest in the move, while other reports suggest his position is becoming increasingly complicated. Leao reportedly changes his stance Just weeks ago, Leao openly admitted he wanted a new challenge after spending seven seasons with Milan. His comments appeared to signal the end of his time at San Siro, especially after missing out on Champions League action. However, recent reports suggest the situation has changed dramatically. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Portuguese forward has begun reconsidering his future after returning for pre-season, feeling welcomed once again by teammates and encouraged by the atmosphere under Ruben Amorim. Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match. According to the newspaper, the 27-year-old has realized that leaving is no longer his only option. Instead, he is reportedly open to repairing his relationship with the club and continuing his career in Italy if the right transfer proposal never arrives. Further reinforcing that idea, Pietro Mazzara of MilanNews reported that Leao has informed Milan he wants to stay for now, even though the club remains willing to listen to offers that match its valuation. Why Leao staying could directly affect Christian Pulisic The biggest consequence of Leao remaining at Milan concerns Christian Pulisic’s role under Ruben Amorim. Earlier this summer, reports suggested Amorim viewed Pulisic as his first-choice option in the left-sided attacking midfield role within his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, with the American expected to operate between the lines rather than as a traditional winger. During his unveiling, Amorim made his admiration for Pulisic perfectly clear. “Pulisic is truly a very talented player. He got injured at the World Cup, we’ll have to understand. But he’s perfect for the way Italian football is… I have clear ideas about how I want to see him play… I want him between the lines… He’s very important for us.” Rafael Leao of AC Milan interacts with Christian Pulisic Those comments fueled speculation that there might be little room for Leao in the new tactical set
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has written "a message of love and admiration" to departing midfielder Christian Norgaard, who has officially joined Everton on a two-year contract. The 32-year-old made 20 appearances and lifted the Premier League trophy during his 13-month stint at Emirates Stadium. Despite only being handed seven appearances during Arsenal's title-winning league campaign, Arteta called Norgaard a player with "unique quality".
Christian Norgaard has left Arsenal after a single title-winning campaign, and he hopes his move to Everton brings more regular minutes. The post Norgaard says Everton move about playing ‘a bigger football role’ appeared first on SoccerNews.
Everton's newest signing Christian Norgaard says he feels "so happy and pleased" to pen a two-year deal, after already having "positive conversations" with his former boss Mikel Arteta about his new manager David Moyes. The 32-year-old midfielder, who signed for Arsenal last year in a £15m deal from Brentford, arrives at Hill Dickinson Stadium with 129 Premier League appearances and 41 Denmark caps under his belt. "It feels amazing," Norgaard told evertontv.
Cristiano Ronaldo could see the successful Al Ahli manager, Matthias Jaissle, leave the Saudi club for the Premier League. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon see one of his toughest domestic rivals lose the manager behind its recent continental dominance, with Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle closing in on a move to Newcastle United. According to Fabrizio Romano, Jaissle is “the top candidate and in advanced talks to become Newcastle’s new head coach,” with the Italian journalist adding that “he’s the number one candidate to replace Eddie Howe“. The move comes after Howe informed Newcastle of his desire to step away from the game for a break following five years in charge. Newcastle and Al Ahli share the same ownership structure, both being majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has made the transition between the two clubs notably smooth from an administrative standpoint. Jaissle’s departure would mark the end of a hugely successful spell in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old German, once tipped as the “new Julian Nagelsmann,” led Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, becoming the only manager in history to win the competition in consecutive seasons. He Led. We Conquered ☝️#AlAhli | #ACLElite | #LetsGoWithAlAhli pic.twitter.com/nr27AYMxh2— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) April 25, 2026 Ronaldo facing Jaissle’s Al Ahli For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, Jaissle’s Al Ahli represented one of the club’s most competitive rivals in the Saudi Pro League, where, since Jaissle’s arrival in the summer of 2023, the sides have met seven times. Al Nassr has won four of those meetings, drawn one, and lost one in normal time, with an additional penalty-shootout defeat in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final after a 2-2 draw. Across those seven encounters, Ronaldo managed to score five goals, with his most recent coming in the 2-0 win on April 29, 2026. Arne Slot emerges as a candidate for Al Ahli With Jaissle’s departure looking increasingly likely, Al Ahli have reportedly identified Arne Slot as a primary target to take over. The Dutch coach has been out of work since leaving Liverpool in May, a spell of just over two years at Anfield that included a Premier League title in 2025. Complicating matters, Slot is simultaneously being linked with the vacant Netherlands national team job, according to Fabrizio Romano. Slot emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ronald Koeman after the Dutch federation began searching for a successor following the Oranje’s disappointing Round of 32 exit to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
MLS commissioner Don Garber wants to see Christian Pulisic in the league, just as legend Landon Donovan did. MLS commissioner Don Garber made a public pitch for Christian Pulisic to make the jump to Major League Soccer, specifically endorsing NYCFC’s pursuit of the American winger. Speaking on Fox News, Garber didn’t hold back on how big a signing he believes Pulisic would be for the league. “I hope that they could sign a Christian Pulisic. I believe he would be great in our league, and I believe our league would be great for him,” Garber admitted. “Give him an opportunity to do what Landon Donovan did – come to Major League Soccer, spread your wings, be a star,” Garber continued, adding that Pulisic “would be a game changer for our league“. For now, though, Pulisic remains at AC Milan, where his contract runs through June 2027, with the Italian club also holding an option to extend it an additional year. His name has been tied to transfer speculation more than usual this summer, following a rough 2026 World Cup with the United States that ended at the Round of 16 after a loss to Belgium. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States. (Getty Images) That speculation gained real traction in June, when NYCFC made an approach to sign Pulisic and try to bring him back to his home country. Milan rejected it outright, making clear the winger wasn’t available, a stance club officials have repeated consistently since. Milan’s resolve was tested again more recently when Galatasaray reportedly reached out to gauge Pulisic’s availability, according to Tuttomercatoweb. The Turkish club’s contact amounted to an informational inquiry rather than a formal offer, and Milan gave the same answer they gave NYCFC: Pulisic isn’t for sale. Landon Donovan’s MLS legacy Garber’s comparison points to one of the clearest success stories of an American star returning home in his prime. Landon Donovan originally signed with Bayer Leverkusen in 1999, but he struggled to adapt to life in Germany and spent much of that six-year spell on loan back home with the San Jose Earthquakes. He later returned to Europe for brief loan stints with Bayern Munich and twice with Everton, in 2010 and 2012, impressing enough in the Premier League to leave some wondering whether he’d ever commit to a permanent move abroad. He never did. In 2005, Donovan chose to return to the United States for good, signing with the LA Galaxy, and that decision defined the rest of his career. Rather than chasing a bigger European move, he became the face of MLS: he retired with 145 goals, a tally that stood as the league scoring record until Chris Wondolowski later surpassed it, and he won six MLS Cup titles along with two Supporters’ Shields with the Galaxy in 2010 and 2011. He was named to a record 14 consecutive MLS All-Star Games and won MLS Cup MVP honors twice, in 2003 and 2011, retiring as a champion in his final match, the 2014 MLS Cup final.
With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting to see who will arrive to strengthen Al-Nassr after Jhon Duran completed a season-long loan move to Benfica, but the Saudi club faces an obstacle that has slowed its plans. With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. The Colombia national team striker leaves after a turbulent spell in Saudi Arabia that included multiple loan moves before his latest switch to Portugal. While Al-Nassr wants to reshape its squad under Ange Postecoglou, developments behind the scenes have complicated the club’s search for reinforcements. Benfica officially signed the 22-year-old on a season-long loan, with the agreement including a reported $34 million purchase option if certain conditions are met. The move gives Duran another opportunity to establish himself in European soccer after brief spells with Fenerbahçe and Zenit St. Petersburg. Duran expressed his excitement during his presentation in Lisbon. “It is a dream to be here. Benfica is the biggest club in Portugal. I want to help the team, score goals, win titles and repay the confidence the club has shown in me,” he said. 🎙️ As primeiras palavras de Jhon Durán de vermelho e branco! pic.twitter.com/wwriuy9oiq— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) July 20, 2026 The transfer marks the seventh club of the player’s professional career, a remarkable journey for a player who is still only 22. Since making his senior debut with Envigado in 2019, he has represented clubs in Colombia, the United States, England, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia and now Portugal. The issue delaying Al-Nassr’s transfer plans As Duran departs, Al-Nassr has yet to announce a direct replacement, and reports suggest there is a significant reason behind the inactivity. According to multiple reports, including Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Nassr is having a serious cash flow problem since club income is less than outstanding obligations. The situation has affected transfer planning, delayed recruitment, and reportedly forced the club to slow negotiations despite identifying several transfer targets. The financial situation has also reportedly contributed to restrictions on transfer spending, leaving the club unable to complete deals until budgets receive executive approval. Even relatively modest transfers have reportedly stalled during the current window. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy Ronaldo waits for attacking reinforcements With Duran now in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack heading into the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese captain is expected to lead the frontline once again while the club continues searching for additional attacking quality. Several high-profile names have been linked with Al-Nassr over recent months. Reports have mentioned Premier League stars, such as Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, and Gabriel Martinelli, although none of those moves has progressed into a completed transfer. Some reports also suggest the club could prioritize signing another winger rather than replacing Duran with a traditional center-forward. That strategy would still leave Ronaldo as the primary goalscoring reference in the squad.
Karim Benzema is seto for a major squad boost with Al Hilal reportedly agree for a $91 million fee for West Ham United to sign Crysencio Summerville. Preparations are officially underway for the 2026-27 season, and with the World Cup in the rearview mirror, Karim Benzema is eager to wrestle Saudi Arabian soccer dominance away from Cristiano Ronaldo. In what serves as a massive boost for the French striker, Al Hilal has reportedly agreed to a $91 million deal to acquire Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United. As reported by journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Al Hilal and West Ham reached an agreement on a total package worth €80 million ($91 million). The Saudi powerhouse initially approached the 24-year-old winger back in May, but after Summerville spent the early summer exploring options across Europe, he is now set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract in Riyadh. Summerville also drew significant interest from AS Roma during the primary window. According to Jacobs, the Italian club was preparing a €46 million offer for the forward, but despite his €35 million valuation on Transfermarkt, Al Hilal’s overwhelming bid proved too lucrative for both West Ham and the player to turn down. A move away from East London was all but guaranteed for Summerville after West Ham suffered a catastrophic relegation from the Premier League to the EFL Championship. While several top-flight English clubs expressed interest in keeping him in the UK, none were willing to match the aggressive financial package put forward by the Saudi side. Crysencio Summerville #24 of the Netherlands celebrating. Despite a turbulent 2025-26 campaign with the Hammers, Summerville emerged as one of the brightest lights for the Netherlands during their World Cup run. In four appearances before the Dutch fell in the Round of 32, the dynamic winger tallied two goals and two assists in his debut tournament on the international stage. Summerville gives Benzema a elite partner in attack Al Hilal has consistently featured near the top of Saudi soccer, but the 2025-26 campaign proved frustrating: even after landing Benzema during the winter transfer window, the club walked away with only the King Cup. Heading into 2026-27, Summerville’s arrival could be the exact piece needed to tip the scales back in their favor. Benzema is locked in as the starting center forward, having already featured in a recent preseason friendly against Austrian side Sturm Graz II, with Brazilian star Malcom anchoring the right wing. Because Summerville did his finest work on that same right flank in London, head coach Simone Inzaghi will need to tweak his standard 4-3-3 tactical setup or shift one of his high-priced wingers over to the left side.
Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge. Kylian Mbappe‘s latest season has ended without a major trophy for either club or country, placing the Real Madrid and France superstar in unfamiliar territory. Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge. The France national team also finishes the campaign without silverware after the dissappointing 2026 World Cup exit, adding to the disappointment after Real Madrid fell short in every major competition. Individual brilliance has never been in doubt, but soccer’s biggest prizes have once again slipped away from one of the game’s brightest stars. Mbappe arrived at Real Madrid in summer 2024 carrying enormous expectations after years of success with Paris Saint-Germain. Although he has continued to score at an elite level, his first two seasons in Spain have both ended without a major collective trophy, despite winning consecutive Pichichi awards and scoring 86 goals in his first 103 appearances for Los Blancos. The French forward also misses out on this year’s Ballon d’Or race after Madrid failed to capture La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey, or the Spanish Super Cup, while France also ends the international campaign empty-handed. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France. However, Mbappe has now completed exactly two senior trophyless seasons, both coming consecutively during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns. Before joining Madrid, he had collected 18 major trophies, including the 2018 World Cup and multiple Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain. How many trophyless seasons has Lionel Messi endured? Mbappe’s current drought inevitably invites comparisons with the two players who have defined modern soccer for nearly two decades. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final. Even though Lionel Messi built one of the most decorated careers in soccer history, he also endured periods when Barcelona failed to lift silverware. The Argentine completed three trophyless seasons during his senior career: 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2019-20. His longest barren spell lasted two consecutive campaigns before everything changed under Pep Guardiola. SeasonClubTrophies Won2007-08Barcelona02019-20Barcelona0 Following those difficult years, Messi spearheaded Barcelona’s historic 2008-09 sextuple, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Years later, after the disappointment of 2019-20, he inspired Argentina to win the 2021 Copa America before finally lifting the 2022 World Cup. CategoryRecordSenior Career Seasons20+Trophyless Seasons2Trophyless RateOnly 2 seasons without silverwareLongest Trophy Drought2019-20 seasonFirst Trophyless Season2007-08 (Barcelona) How many trophyless seasons has Cristiano Ronaldo endured? Cristiano Ronaldo also discovered that sustained success is never guaranteed, regardless of individual excellence. The Portuguese legend experienced multiple trophyless campaigns, beginning with his early Manchester United years before later enduring difficult seasons during his return to Old Trafford and the start of his Saudi Arabian adventure. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans His setbacks, however, were followed by equally remarkable rebounds. After his first barren season, Ronaldo became the centerpiece of Manchester United’s dominant era, helping the club win three consecutive Premier League titles, the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League, and his first Ballon d’Or. SeasonClubTrophies Won2004-05Manchester United02009-10Real Madrid02021-22Manchester United02022-23
Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland will face off at the World Cup on Saturday, as England take on Norway in a huge quarter-final clash. The post Bellingham and Haaland could replicate Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, predicts Konsa appeared first on SoccerNews.
Chelsea's newest signing Geovany Quenda hopes to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by leaving Sporting's academy for the challenge and exposure of the Premier League. Quenda's path to the top was far from conventional. "We saw him as an under-10 player playing against us for Benfica," former youth coach Roque told BBC Sport.
New Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa is best known in England for his impressive two-year spell at Liverpool as a player before returning to Real Madrid for a seven-year stint and ending his career with a season at West Ham. Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa played together for seven consecutive years at club level and even longer with the national team - and now they will face each other in rival dugouts in their Premier League opener at Craven Cottage on Monday, 24 August. Jose Mourinho signed the pair from Liverpool in the same summer both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka joined Real to help them compete with a dominant Barcelona side managed by Pep Guardiola.
Former Tottenham manager signs two-year contractAl-Nassr won the Saudi Pro League last seasonAnge Postecoglou has been appointed as the new head coach of the Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Nassr, on a two-year deal as the Australian attempts to revive his career after two bruising stints in the Premier League.“A new chapter. Mr Ange Postecoglou appointed as head coach of the Al-Nassr first team. The contract spans two seasons,” the club said in a statement. “We wish him and his staff every success in their journey.” Continue reading...
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Though whispers of the Portuguese talisman's departure have echoed across Europe for weeks, a new revelation threatens to send shockwaves through the squad, promising profound consequences for the American star. A sudden and unexpected twist in Rafael Leao’s destiny has plunged both him and Christian Pulisic into the heart of Milan’s most captivating summer saga. Though whispers of the Portuguese talisman’s departure have echoed across Europe for weeks, a new revelation threatens to send shockwaves through the squad, promising profound consequences for the American star. For much of the transfer window, Leao appeared destined to leave Milan as interest arrived from Turkiye, while Premier League clubs were also mentioned as possible destinations. At the same time, Pulisic has remained a key figure in the club’s plans under new head coach Ruben Amorim, making the latest developments even more intriguing. Galatasaray has recently intensified its efforts to sign Rafael Leao, opening negotiations with the Italian side and submitting an official bid for the Portugal international. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the Turkish champion offered around $40 million for a permanent transfer, but the proposal was immediately rejected because Milan continues to value the winger at between $58 million and $69 million. Thus, Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia and MilanNews respond that Milan has no intention of accepting a discounted fee and will only consider a permanent transfer if their valuation is met. The club also rejected previous ideas involving loan deals, making it clear they are only interested in a full sale. Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on Despite the failed opening offer, Galatasaray is said to be preparing an improved proposal that could approach $46 million, although that still falls short of the Rossoneri’s asking price. Turkish media also claim Leao has shown interest in the move, while other reports suggest his position is becoming increasingly complicated. Leao reportedly changes his stance Just weeks ago, Leao openly admitted he wanted a new challenge after spending seven seasons with Milan. His comments appeared to signal the end of his time at San Siro, especially after missing out on Champions League action. However, recent reports suggest the situation has changed dramatically. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Portuguese forward has begun reconsidering his future after returning for pre-season, feeling welcomed once again by teammates and encouraged by the atmosphere under Ruben Amorim. Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match. According to the newspaper, the 27-year-old has realized that leaving is no longer his only option. Instead, he is reportedly open to repairing his relationship with the club and continuing his career in Italy if the right transfer proposal never arrives. Further reinforcing that idea, Pietro Mazzara of MilanNews reported that Leao has informed Milan he wants to stay for now, even though the club remains willing to listen to offers that match its valuation. Why Leao staying could directly affect Christian Pulisic The biggest consequence of Leao remaining at Milan concerns Christian Pulisic’s role under Ruben Amorim. Earlier this summer, reports suggested Amorim viewed Pulisic as his first-choice option in the left-sided attacking midfield role within his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, with the American expected to operate between the lines rather than as a traditional winger. During his unveiling, Amorim made his admiration for Pulisic perfectly clear. “Pulisic is truly a very talented player. He got injured at the World Cup, we’ll have to understand. But he’s perfect for the way Italian football is… I have clear ideas about how I want to see him play… I want him between the lines… He’s very important for us.” Rafael Leao of AC Milan interacts with Christian Pulisic Those comments fueled speculation that there might be little room for Leao in the new tactical set
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has written "a message of love and admiration" to departing midfielder Christian Norgaard, who has officially joined Everton on a two-year contract. The 32-year-old made 20 appearances and lifted the Premier League trophy during his 13-month stint at Emirates Stadium. Despite only being handed seven appearances during Arsenal's title-winning league campaign, Arteta called Norgaard a player with "unique quality".
Christian Norgaard has left Arsenal after a single title-winning campaign, and he hopes his move to Everton brings more regular minutes. The post Norgaard says Everton move about playing ‘a bigger football role’ appeared first on SoccerNews.
Everton's newest signing Christian Norgaard says he feels "so happy and pleased" to pen a two-year deal, after already having "positive conversations" with his former boss Mikel Arteta about his new manager David Moyes. The 32-year-old midfielder, who signed for Arsenal last year in a £15m deal from Brentford, arrives at Hill Dickinson Stadium with 129 Premier League appearances and 41 Denmark caps under his belt. "It feels amazing," Norgaard told evertontv.
Cristiano Ronaldo could see the successful Al Ahli manager, Matthias Jaissle, leave the Saudi club for the Premier League. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon see one of his toughest domestic rivals lose the manager behind its recent continental dominance, with Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle closing in on a move to Newcastle United. According to Fabrizio Romano, Jaissle is “the top candidate and in advanced talks to become Newcastle’s new head coach,” with the Italian journalist adding that “he’s the number one candidate to replace Eddie Howe“. The move comes after Howe informed Newcastle of his desire to step away from the game for a break following five years in charge. Newcastle and Al Ahli share the same ownership structure, both being majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has made the transition between the two clubs notably smooth from an administrative standpoint. Jaissle’s departure would mark the end of a hugely successful spell in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old German, once tipped as the “new Julian Nagelsmann,” led Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, becoming the only manager in history to win the competition in consecutive seasons. He Led. We Conquered ☝️#AlAhli | #ACLElite | #LetsGoWithAlAhli pic.twitter.com/nr27AYMxh2— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) April 25, 2026 Ronaldo facing Jaissle’s Al Ahli For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, Jaissle’s Al Ahli represented one of the club’s most competitive rivals in the Saudi Pro League, where, since Jaissle’s arrival in the summer of 2023, the sides have met seven times. Al Nassr has won four of those meetings, drawn one, and lost one in normal time, with an additional penalty-shootout defeat in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final after a 2-2 draw. Across those seven encounters, Ronaldo managed to score five goals, with his most recent coming in the 2-0 win on April 29, 2026. Arne Slot emerges as a candidate for Al Ahli With Jaissle’s departure looking increasingly likely, Al Ahli have reportedly identified Arne Slot as a primary target to take over. The Dutch coach has been out of work since leaving Liverpool in May, a spell of just over two years at Anfield that included a Premier League title in 2025. Complicating matters, Slot is simultaneously being linked with the vacant Netherlands national team job, according to Fabrizio Romano. Slot emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ronald Koeman after the Dutch federation began searching for a successor following the Oranje’s disappointing Round of 32 exit to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
MLS commissioner Don Garber wants to see Christian Pulisic in the league, just as legend Landon Donovan did. MLS commissioner Don Garber made a public pitch for Christian Pulisic to make the jump to Major League Soccer, specifically endorsing NYCFC’s pursuit of the American winger. Speaking on Fox News, Garber didn’t hold back on how big a signing he believes Pulisic would be for the league. “I hope that they could sign a Christian Pulisic. I believe he would be great in our league, and I believe our league would be great for him,” Garber admitted. “Give him an opportunity to do what Landon Donovan did – come to Major League Soccer, spread your wings, be a star,” Garber continued, adding that Pulisic “would be a game changer for our league“. For now, though, Pulisic remains at AC Milan, where his contract runs through June 2027, with the Italian club also holding an option to extend it an additional year. His name has been tied to transfer speculation more than usual this summer, following a rough 2026 World Cup with the United States that ended at the Round of 16 after a loss to Belgium. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States. (Getty Images) That speculation gained real traction in June, when NYCFC made an approach to sign Pulisic and try to bring him back to his home country. Milan rejected it outright, making clear the winger wasn’t available, a stance club officials have repeated consistently since. Milan’s resolve was tested again more recently when Galatasaray reportedly reached out to gauge Pulisic’s availability, according to Tuttomercatoweb. The Turkish club’s contact amounted to an informational inquiry rather than a formal offer, and Milan gave the same answer they gave NYCFC: Pulisic isn’t for sale. Landon Donovan’s MLS legacy Garber’s comparison points to one of the clearest success stories of an American star returning home in his prime. Landon Donovan originally signed with Bayer Leverkusen in 1999, but he struggled to adapt to life in Germany and spent much of that six-year spell on loan back home with the San Jose Earthquakes. He later returned to Europe for brief loan stints with Bayern Munich and twice with Everton, in 2010 and 2012, impressing enough in the Premier League to leave some wondering whether he’d ever commit to a permanent move abroad. He never did. In 2005, Donovan chose to return to the United States for good, signing with the LA Galaxy, and that decision defined the rest of his career. Rather than chasing a bigger European move, he became the face of MLS: he retired with 145 goals, a tally that stood as the league scoring record until Chris Wondolowski later surpassed it, and he won six MLS Cup titles along with two Supporters’ Shields with the Galaxy in 2010 and 2011. He was named to a record 14 consecutive MLS All-Star Games and won MLS Cup MVP honors twice, in 2003 and 2011, retiring as a champion in his final match, the 2014 MLS Cup final.
With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting to see who will arrive to strengthen Al-Nassr after Jhon Duran completed a season-long loan move to Benfica, but the Saudi club faces an obstacle that has slowed its plans. With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. The Colombia national team striker leaves after a turbulent spell in Saudi Arabia that included multiple loan moves before his latest switch to Portugal. While Al-Nassr wants to reshape its squad under Ange Postecoglou, developments behind the scenes have complicated the club’s search for reinforcements. Benfica officially signed the 22-year-old on a season-long loan, with the agreement including a reported $34 million purchase option if certain conditions are met. The move gives Duran another opportunity to establish himself in European soccer after brief spells with Fenerbahçe and Zenit St. Petersburg. Duran expressed his excitement during his presentation in Lisbon. “It is a dream to be here. Benfica is the biggest club in Portugal. I want to help the team, score goals, win titles and repay the confidence the club has shown in me,” he said. 🎙️ As primeiras palavras de Jhon Durán de vermelho e branco! pic.twitter.com/wwriuy9oiq— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) July 20, 2026 The transfer marks the seventh club of the player’s professional career, a remarkable journey for a player who is still only 22. Since making his senior debut with Envigado in 2019, he has represented clubs in Colombia, the United States, England, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia and now Portugal. The issue delaying Al-Nassr’s transfer plans As Duran departs, Al-Nassr has yet to announce a direct replacement, and reports suggest there is a significant reason behind the inactivity. According to multiple reports, including Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Nassr is having a serious cash flow problem since club income is less than outstanding obligations. The situation has affected transfer planning, delayed recruitment, and reportedly forced the club to slow negotiations despite identifying several transfer targets. The financial situation has also reportedly contributed to restrictions on transfer spending, leaving the club unable to complete deals until budgets receive executive approval. Even relatively modest transfers have reportedly stalled during the current window. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy Ronaldo waits for attacking reinforcements With Duran now in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack heading into the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese captain is expected to lead the frontline once again while the club continues searching for additional attacking quality. Several high-profile names have been linked with Al-Nassr over recent months. Reports have mentioned Premier League stars, such as Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, and Gabriel Martinelli, although none of those moves has progressed into a completed transfer. Some reports also suggest the club could prioritize signing another winger rather than replacing Duran with a traditional center-forward. That strategy would still leave Ronaldo as the primary goalscoring reference in the squad.
Karim Benzema is seto for a major squad boost with Al Hilal reportedly agree for a $91 million fee for West Ham United to sign Crysencio Summerville. Preparations are officially underway for the 2026-27 season, and with the World Cup in the rearview mirror, Karim Benzema is eager to wrestle Saudi Arabian soccer dominance away from Cristiano Ronaldo. In what serves as a massive boost for the French striker, Al Hilal has reportedly agreed to a $91 million deal to acquire Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United. As reported by journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Al Hilal and West Ham reached an agreement on a total package worth €80 million ($91 million). The Saudi powerhouse initially approached the 24-year-old winger back in May, but after Summerville spent the early summer exploring options across Europe, he is now set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract in Riyadh. Summerville also drew significant interest from AS Roma during the primary window. According to Jacobs, the Italian club was preparing a €46 million offer for the forward, but despite his €35 million valuation on Transfermarkt, Al Hilal’s overwhelming bid proved too lucrative for both West Ham and the player to turn down. A move away from East London was all but guaranteed for Summerville after West Ham suffered a catastrophic relegation from the Premier League to the EFL Championship. While several top-flight English clubs expressed interest in keeping him in the UK, none were willing to match the aggressive financial package put forward by the Saudi side. Crysencio Summerville #24 of the Netherlands celebrating. Despite a turbulent 2025-26 campaign with the Hammers, Summerville emerged as one of the brightest lights for the Netherlands during their World Cup run. In four appearances before the Dutch fell in the Round of 32, the dynamic winger tallied two goals and two assists in his debut tournament on the international stage. Summerville gives Benzema a elite partner in attack Al Hilal has consistently featured near the top of Saudi soccer, but the 2025-26 campaign proved frustrating: even after landing Benzema during the winter transfer window, the club walked away with only the King Cup. Heading into 2026-27, Summerville’s arrival could be the exact piece needed to tip the scales back in their favor. Benzema is locked in as the starting center forward, having already featured in a recent preseason friendly against Austrian side Sturm Graz II, with Brazilian star Malcom anchoring the right wing. Because Summerville did his finest work on that same right flank in London, head coach Simone Inzaghi will need to tweak his standard 4-3-3 tactical setup or shift one of his high-priced wingers over to the left side.
Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge. Kylian Mbappe‘s latest season has ended without a major trophy for either club or country, placing the Real Madrid and France superstar in unfamiliar territory. Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge. The France national team also finishes the campaign without silverware after the dissappointing 2026 World Cup exit, adding to the disappointment after Real Madrid fell short in every major competition. Individual brilliance has never been in doubt, but soccer’s biggest prizes have once again slipped away from one of the game’s brightest stars. Mbappe arrived at Real Madrid in summer 2024 carrying enormous expectations after years of success with Paris Saint-Germain. Although he has continued to score at an elite level, his first two seasons in Spain have both ended without a major collective trophy, despite winning consecutive Pichichi awards and scoring 86 goals in his first 103 appearances for Los Blancos. The French forward also misses out on this year’s Ballon d’Or race after Madrid failed to capture La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey, or the Spanish Super Cup, while France also ends the international campaign empty-handed. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France. However, Mbappe has now completed exactly two senior trophyless seasons, both coming consecutively during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns. Before joining Madrid, he had collected 18 major trophies, including the 2018 World Cup and multiple Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain. How many trophyless seasons has Lionel Messi endured? Mbappe’s current drought inevitably invites comparisons with the two players who have defined modern soccer for nearly two decades. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final. Even though Lionel Messi built one of the most decorated careers in soccer history, he also endured periods when Barcelona failed to lift silverware. The Argentine completed three trophyless seasons during his senior career: 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2019-20. His longest barren spell lasted two consecutive campaigns before everything changed under Pep Guardiola. SeasonClubTrophies Won2007-08Barcelona02019-20Barcelona0 Following those difficult years, Messi spearheaded Barcelona’s historic 2008-09 sextuple, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Years later, after the disappointment of 2019-20, he inspired Argentina to win the 2021 Copa America before finally lifting the 2022 World Cup. CategoryRecordSenior Career Seasons20+Trophyless Seasons2Trophyless RateOnly 2 seasons without silverwareLongest Trophy Drought2019-20 seasonFirst Trophyless Season2007-08 (Barcelona) How many trophyless seasons has Cristiano Ronaldo endured? Cristiano Ronaldo also discovered that sustained success is never guaranteed, regardless of individual excellence. The Portuguese legend experienced multiple trophyless campaigns, beginning with his early Manchester United years before later enduring difficult seasons during his return to Old Trafford and the start of his Saudi Arabian adventure. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans His setbacks, however, were followed by equally remarkable rebounds. After his first barren season, Ronaldo became the centerpiece of Manchester United’s dominant era, helping the club win three consecutive Premier League titles, the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League, and his first Ballon d’Or. SeasonClubTrophies Won2004-05Manchester United02009-10Real Madrid02021-22Manchester United02022-23
Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland will face off at the World Cup on Saturday, as England take on Norway in a huge quarter-final clash. The post Bellingham and Haaland could replicate Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, predicts Konsa appeared first on SoccerNews.
Chelsea's newest signing Geovany Quenda hopes to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by leaving Sporting's academy for the challenge and exposure of the Premier League. Quenda's path to the top was far from conventional. "We saw him as an under-10 player playing against us for Benfica," former youth coach Roque told BBC Sport.
New Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa is best known in England for his impressive two-year spell at Liverpool as a player before returning to Real Madrid for a seven-year stint and ending his career with a season at West Ham. Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa played together for seven consecutive years at club level and even longer with the national team - and now they will face each other in rival dugouts in their Premier League opener at Craven Cottage on Monday, 24 August. Jose Mourinho signed the pair from Liverpool in the same summer both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka joined Real to help them compete with a dominant Barcelona side managed by Pep Guardiola.
Former Tottenham manager signs two-year contractAl-Nassr won the Saudi Pro League last seasonAnge Postecoglou has been appointed as the new head coach of the Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Nassr, on a two-year deal as the Australian attempts to revive his career after two bruising stints in the Premier League.“A new chapter. Mr Ange Postecoglou appointed as head coach of the Al-Nassr first team. The contract spans two seasons,” the club said in a statement. “We wish him and his staff every success in their journey.” Continue reading...
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